Cunard Line Takes Delivery of Queen Elizabeth

Pictured: Cunard President Peter Shanks symbolically holds the keys to Queen Elizabeth, which he handed over to
Captain Christopher Wells

Newest Cunard Ocean Liner 

Queen Elizabeth

Cunard Line has taken delivery of Queen Elizabeth  – the second largest Cunarder ever built and the third new liner for the luxury cruise vacation company in six years. 


The Handover Ceremony took place today on board the new 92,400-ton vessel at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard. The event included a speech by Cunard President Peter Shanks. The Italian flag was ceremonially lowered and the Blue Ensign was raised, marking the entry of another magnificent Cunard liner into the Register of British Shipping.

“This ceremony to mark the completion of the Queen Elizabeth and our acceptance of delivery, is just the first of a number of significant events over the next few weeks – including the ship’s official naming by Her Majesty The Queen in Southampton on Monday 11 October,” said Shanks. “I’m certain the British will take this truly magnificent ship to their hearts, as they have all the Cunard Queens.”

Queen Elizabeth is due to leave the shipyard on 30 September and sail to Southampton, where she will berth at the Ocean Cruise Terminal on Friday 8 October.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage at 5:00pm on Tuesday 12 October. She is s one of the largest panamax vessels, i.e. capable of passing through the Panama canal. Mini and luxury suites abound on board the superbly finished “Queen Elizabeth” whose 1,046 cabins can accommodate over 2,500 guests assisted by a crew of 1,097.

Cunard Queen Mary 2 Maiden Call to Cape Town

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu on Queen Mary 2 - courtesy Cunard Line

Cunard Queen Mary 2

Maiden Call Cape Town

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 made her maiden call to Cape Town, South Africa, March 25th arriving with some special dignitaries onboard.  Among the guests sailing on this segment of the 2010 World Voyage was  the Most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, a ceremony was held unveiling a plaque that read: “This plaque was unveiled by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to commemorate his voyage onboard Queen Mary 2 between Port Louis and Cape Town from 20 March to 25 March 2010.”   Also on-hand for the unveiling was Captain Nick Bates and Cunard Line President Peter Shanks.

During the voyage, guests enjoyed a standing room only Cunard Insights Q&A session and lecture with Archbishop Tutu.  Additionally, guests had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and bid on advanced copies of Archbishop Tutu’s new book, “Made for Goodness,” co-written by his daughter Mpho Andrea Tutu. Proceeds from the silent auction benefited his charity, the Zithulele Hospital based in Eastern Cape province.

“It was an honor to have Archbishop Tutu onboard Queen Mary 2 during this World Voyage, especially as the ship sailed into Cape Town for the first time,” said Peter Shanks. “Our guests were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet this living luminary, and I am delighted to say that he now holds a very special place in Cunard's 170-year history."

Archbishop Tutu joins Cunard's illustrious legacy of welcoming world-famous guests and politicians, including Winston Churchill, President Nelson Mandela, Lady Margaret Thatcher, Elizabeth Taylor, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Rod Stewart and Buzz Aldrin.

Cunard Insights is the company’s award-winning onboard enrichment programme that introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the Line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, arts and literature.